So how do you take your tribute albums? Do you prefer the respectful, dead-on
versions of well-known songs (like Sarah McLachlan’s unforgettable take on the
Beatles’ “Blackbird” from the I Am Sam soundtrack) or are you the type
who favors a complete rehashing (see Toad The Wet Sprocket’s gutsy shot at
making “Rock and Roll All Night” a tender ballad on the KISS tribute Kiss My
Ass)? If your vote is for the former, buckle your seatbelt and prepare for
Numbers from the Beast(An All-Star Salute to Iron Maiden), an
accomplished 11-song homage to the 25th anniversary of one of heavy metal’s true
titans.

With tribute album pioneer Bob Kulick at the production helms and an
extraordinary lineup of hard rock personnel, it was nearly impossible for this
one to fail. Instead of simply enlisting familiar bands in full, Kulick (yes,
brother of temporary 80s era KISS guitarist Bruce) matches some classic metal
throats with various guitar and rhythm section gurus. Take the opener “Run to
the Hills”, a perfect rendition that doesn’t stray at all from the original.
McAuley Schenker Group is called upon for vocals (Robin McAuley) and guitar
(Michael Schenker), but the Firm’s Tony Franklin (bass) and Brian Tichy from
Billy Idol’s band (drummer) lay down the pulse. The result is dazzling!

Dee Snider is employed next for his toast to “Wasted Years”, quite biographical
if you think about it. He’s backed by George Lynch, the more-than-capable axeman
of Dokken, and Jason Bonham (Bonzo’s boy) on skins. Again, a recipe made in hair
heaven. The collection ain’t perfect, as the injudicious “Wrathchild” and “Fear
of the Dark” prove. And how in Eddie’s name did WWE wrestler Chris Jericho get a
lead vocal spot (“The Evil That Men Do)? What, were David Coverdale and Kevin
Dubrow booked?

Mark Slaughter lends a huge vocal to “Can I Play with Madness?”, which also
features Bruce Kulick and Bowie’s Aynsley Dunbar on drums, but the hands down
apex of this tribute comes with Lemmy Kilmister and Phil Campbell of Motorhead
tackling “The Trooper.” “You take my life but I take yours too,” is ten
times more convincing coming from Lemmy. (Sorry, Bruce.) The real beauty of
Numbers from the Beast is the feeling of indebtedness that’s paid to these
songs by the all-star cast. You get the sense that Lemmy and Dee Snider feel
genuinely honored to serve in such a tribute. And that’s pretty damned cool.